The first Mini-STX motherboards based on Intel’s 5×5 platform are here

Intel launched a new platform in 2015 for the smallest motherboards that could support upgradeable CPUs. Now we’re starting to see some of the first actual boards based on that platform: ECS and ASRock both unveiled new mini STX motherboards at CES last week.

Basically, this means you can build your own computer that’s not much bigger than an Intel NUC mini PC, while choosing your own processor and other components. And if you decide to upgrade the CPU later on, you’ll be able to do that since it isn’t soldered to the system board.

Both the ECS and ASRock models to be based on the Intel standard that we previously knew as 5×5, which means they should both measure about 5.5″ x 5.8″ inches and feature an LGA 1151 CPU socket with support for most 6th-gen Intel Core “Skylake” chips with a TDP of 65 watts or less.

That means you should be able to opt for a Celeron, Pentium, Core i3, Core i5, or Core i7 processor.

The ECS model has similar specs, including two DDR4 memory slots, M.2 slots for storage and a wireless card, and Ethernet. But this model has two USB 3.0 ports, one USB 3.1 Type-C port, and DisplayPort and HDMI ports for video output.

Looking for a case for your shiny new mini-STX computer? Those are also starting to appear. ASRock is showing off a 1.92 liter case for its motherboard, while case maker Silverstone is also demonstrating an early design for its own mini-STX case.

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Would be cool if the cases were not all so square , even cooler if there was a PCIx16 slot for small HBM GPUs.

And ofc for wifi module,one that has wifi ad for wireless connections to the screen, external storage and so on.

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I agree with you. No a single PCIe 16slot. Other than that looks cool..

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I agree. PCIex16 is a deal breaker for me. I will stick with mini-itx and a full size PSU. It makes sense that Intel will try to promote internal graphics as much as it can.

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I’d be really interested in seeing something like this for mini servers.

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A slot for a GPU would be great! Can make a “console” gaming PC out of it.

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Interesting that the SO-DIMM slots are in a vertical orientation, like regular DIMM slots, as opposed to the common horizontal SO-DIMM arrangement.

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Maybe it allows for a smaller. The horizontal orientation might take up more board space. Also, other vertical components might get in the way while inserting/removing memory. I’m just guessing though.

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I think it’s absolutely for space efficiency. Or else it’s just cheaper to build it this way.

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Its not extremely common, but its mostly Mini ITX boards that I’ve seen it on. Its not as common as it used to be. There were several H67 chipset boards that used SO-DIMMs that sat vertically.

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Brings back memories of the Via Epia and Via’s quest for the smallest motherboard. I had forgotten they had integrated processors.